JAY – One moment she’s flashing a smile brighter than the fluorescent softball she holds in her hand.

As soon as she turns toward home plate, Bree Loon’s expression changes. When there’s someone in the batter’s box, Loon becomes all business.

“I’ve got to try to be fierce when I get on the mound as much as possible,” said Loon. “I don’t show a whole lot. I just go out there and look at the batter and study them.”

Loon has become one the state’s more menacing hurlers. Not because of the determined expression she wears, but because of the blazing power with which she fires at hitters.

“Just the sound of them hearing pitches snapping into the catcher’s mitt will turn a few heads in the other dugout,” said Jay assistant coach Clint Brooks.

One of the reasons the Tigers are 11-1 and ranked second in Western C is because of Loon. She was a promising pitcher when she started as a freshman, but she’s emerged as one of Maine’s best.

The junior devoted significant time in the offseason, working with a pitching coach and developing her pitches. She has a greater command and therefore, a greater confidence.

“I was a lot more relaxed this year coming into it,” said Loon, who first started pitching as a fifth-grader. “I was a freshman and sophomore going in there and trying to pitch my hardest. Now I’m more relaxed. I have a better defense. I feel much more comfortable out there.”

Though first-year coaches Robin Roberts and Brooks were well acquainted with the MVC all-star, both were pleasantly surprised with just how good Loon has been.

“What I’ve enjoyed is her ability to spot pitches,” said Brooks. “She has a lot of different speeds that she can throw. She’s not a girl that just winds up and chucks. Eventually good teams will catch up to fast pitchers.”

Few have caught up to Loon. She’s averaging about 12 strikeouts per game. She’s allowed four hits per outing and just eight runs total. She has eight shutouts, three no-hitters and three two-hit games. She also has Monday’s phenomenal performance in which she K’d 22 hitters in a 16-inning 2-1 win over Livermore Falls.

Don’t be fooled by the intense scowl she may where on the mound though. As intimidating as she’s been, that smile she’ll flash on the field every so often is the true hint to her personality. She’s a player that just loves to pitch.

“You can’t hide how much fun you’re having out there,” she said. “I love the game of softball and being in control of every play. I love being right there in the middle of it, knowing I can pitch the ball, I can place it and I’m in control of what’s going to happen.”

As pivotal as her arm is, she brings a bright personality and outgoing presence to the club. As an upperclassmen, she’s taken on the role of helping some of the younger players along. She’s also fit nicely into the Tigers’ team concept, despite her high visibility.

“She’s a very down to earth girl,” said Roberts. “She’s not big-headed. She’s not, I’m the number one person around here.’ She’s very easy to work with and very coachable.”

The added responsibility includes having to call pitches with catcher Sara Fetterhoff. That’s something the coaches had done her first two years. Her experience with Fetterhoff has made that adjustment easier.

“It’s fun,” she said. “I love calling pitches. When you’re calling pitches, you’re more in control. You know what you’re going to pitch. You know where it’s going to go. If they hit the ball, it’s more you’re fault, but you can be prepared for that.”

The coaching staff has focused on improving her fielding and hitting skills this season in hopes of completing the package that could find an opportunity at the next level.

“I definitely want to go to college and play Division I or II,” she said. “I want to go to a bigger college and play year round. I’d love that.”

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